FRENCH COLONIES

Grey River Argus, 23 May 1942, Page 3

FRENCH COLONIES

MORE BRITISH FORCES. LAND IN MADAGASCAR. , LONDON, May 21. The Paris radio reports that further strong British contingents landed at Diego Suarez, including important R.A.F. units. It is believed that the British intend to attack the French air-base further to the south. A report from Algeciras states that two cruisers and an aircraft-carrier arrived at Gibraltar, followed by a steamer, carrying 5000 American troops.

US.A OCCUPATION OF NEW CALEDONIA.

WASHINGTON, May 21. The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull said that the State Department had not made an appeal to General de Gaulle for help i dealing with New Caledonia conditions, which some quarters re P° r^ d ‘ He said that the only aim of the United States’ occupation of French or Free French territory was to advance the United States’ cause and win the war. It was done with a definite and solemn undertaking, to return the territory to the priate French authority at the ena of the war. U.S.A. AND FRENCH INDIES. WASHINGTON, May 21. Mr Cordell Hull, at a Press conference said that the Martinique conversations had progressed so s isfactorily that those dealing wth miMai’y matters would probably conclude within five or six days Those dealing with economic matters, such as the disposition of me chant ships now m French West Indian harbours, were likely to take longer.